Rather than asking ‘Is my child gifted?’, parents should pursue diagnostic, action-oriented questions that identify a child’s strengths and learning needs. Giftedness can be variable; assessment should use multiple measures to guide appropriate educational matches and programming so children receive targeted support and opportunities to thrive.
This article advises parents and teachers to address children’s worries by managing their own anxiety, listening attentively, offering age-appropriate information and resources, encouraging play and self-expression, limiting media exposure, maintaining routines, and involving children in constructive activities. Educators should foster emotional intelligence and supportive classroom connections.
Advice for parents whose children are insufficiently challenged at school: build parent-teacher partnerships, advocate for appropriate programming, and support children’s confidence. Practical steps include prioritizing needs, staying calm, communicating, gathering information, and being proactive. Teach children self-advocacy and use community resources to enrich learning.
